How to Setup a USB GPS Dongle in Ubuntu

Tutorial guide on how to setup a USB GPS Dongle in Ubuntu Linux, so you can run an Opensource mapping program such as TangoGPS. This tutorial applies to Ubuntu versions 10.04, 10.10, 11.04, but may also apply to earlier and future versions too.

1. Install: gpsd, gpsd-clients
2. Install a mapping program, e.g. TangoGPS
3. Reboot
4. Open a Terminal Window
5. cd /dev
6. ls
7. Note down folder of GPS device e.g. gps0
7. sudo dpkg-reconfigure gpsd
8. gpspipe -r
9. Ctrl+C to Exit

gpspipe should fill the screen up with an assortment of numbers.
If it doesn't go back to step #6 and try a different device.

Once its working Open up a mapping program and try it out.
Theres no need to run this setup again unless you change GPS device.

Demo done Using a Blue Next USB receiver which I bought from ebay for £18.
Its a nice cheap way to turn a Laptop/Netbook into a SatNav. Although its not really that easy to follow while driving.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• GPS
• GPS Dongle
• USB
• Dongle
• Receiver
• Setup
• Install
• GPSD
• TangoGPS
• Mapping
• Maps
• SatNav
• Route Planner
• OpenStreetMap
• Ubuntu
• 10.04
• 10.10
• 11.04
• Maverick Meerkat
• Lucid Lynx
• Natty Narwhal
• Linux
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• Quidsup

[TheKC1ML]

How am I going to come over for a cuppa if I don't know where you live??. LOL

Cheers Mate,

[quidsup]

@TheKC1ML lol I gotta keep hidden ;-) Cheers

[suli8]

why would u use one of these.... just to know your position?

[quidsup]

@suli8 So you can use a netbook/tablet as a sat nav

[TheKaymor]

cool i been want one of thoes, do then cost much?

[quidsup]

@TheKaymor no they're quite cheap, that Blue Next dongle cost £18 (just under $30) from ebay

[blaiko]

Thank you, for this video.

[teamilksugga]

Hi. I had this working nicely in 11.04 although the gps didn't show up in /dev quite like yours did. Anyway, after upgrading to 11.10 I can't get it to work at all. Any ideas? Possible update video? I'd much appreciate it.

Thanks :)

[DreadKnight666]

Thanks a lot for this video!

[marlui88]

I bought a similar unit from Dx. Is there a log file in the dongle?? and how do u read the log file assuming I made a self contained power supply to the unit. I want to use it as a speed and altitude logger for my RC planes and boats.

[elvilanova79]

Hi! excellent tutorial!

Can you do one with a bluetooth GPS receiver? I have one but I can't get it to work on ubuntu 10.04...

Thanks!!

[irfanh86]

good



[experimental0000]

that's pretty cool